Identification Key :: Leeches

A freshwater leech feeding off human skin.

Leeches are a form of segmented worms. Most leeches live in freshwater environments but some species are also terrestrial They are hermaphrodites, containing both male and female reproductive organs. Leeches lay cocoons which hatch several weeks to months later. Mainly, leeches prey on small invertebrates. Leeches consume prey by injecting an anticoagulant enzyme to suck out matter. Interestingly, leeches have 32 brains, due to their internal segmentation.